Historic flooding descended upon Rennes this past weekend, marking the worst inundation the city has experienced in over 40 years, driven by the torrential rains from storm Herminia. September 25-26, 2023, will be remembered not just for the volume of rain but for the ensuing chaos, evacuations, and community resilience.
Jean-Christophe Boursin, the secretary-general for regional affairs, spoke to the severity of the situation during a press conference on January 26. He noted, “The situation explains itself by rivers already high, well-saturated soils. There is not much room to evacuate water when it rains.” Rivers and canals, already at peak levels, struggled to contain the influx from the storm.
The mayor of Rennes, Nathalie Appéré, corroborated Boursin’s observations, saying, “We are today at values higher than those recorded in 1981,” referencing the last major flooding year. The local government issued evacuation orders for several streets, primarily focusing on areas behind protective levees which had begun to overflow.
Evacuations were swiftly implemented; approximately 400 residents were forced to flee to safer areas since Friday night, with many seeking refuge with friends and family, as schools and local community gyms were transformed overnight to accommodate those displaced.
Boursin updated the public with caution, indicating, “The water will continue to rise across the region,” underscoring the delayed receding of floodwaters. Although the intense rainfall had paused for some respite, forecasts predicted more downpours leading to continued peril.
The flooding left recognizable marks across several districts, with significant impact felt particularly hard by the residents of Motte-Brûlon and Apigné. The municipal authorities noted disturbances in public transport as well, urging travelers to stay informed of route closures and local advisories.
One resident described his distress, stating, “It’s been 40 years since I lived here, and I’ve never seen anything like this.” Bruno Lorandel, who works as an audiovisual producer, reported equipment damage and was busy mopping out his flooded professional space.
To counter the significant flooding impacts, the city activated communal safety plans, establishing emergency response cells to mitigate damage and assist those affected. By Sunday, over 50 emergencies had occurred without any reported casualties, reflecting the effectiveness of early response protocols.
Appéré warned, “The equivalent of 15 days of precipitation could still fall.” People across the city braced themselves for interruptions as brief breaks from the storm were interspersed with renewed torrential rains, creating unease about what might come next.
Volunteer efforts were rapidly organized, inviting locals to help clean up and assist their neighbors affected by the flooding events. The city opened online registration for those willing to lend their hands as part of this solidarity movement.
The impact of storm Herminia was not only confined to Rennes; its brutal force rippled across the western coast of France, causing devastation and uproar within various regions already burdened by preceding storms. Following the intensity of storm Herminia, already saturated soils sent waves of distress across several departments, including Ille-et-Vilaine, Calvados, and Mayenne, each landing under orange alerts.
Transportation services faced disruptions as some routes remained closed or altered due to the storm’s effects; trains faced delays, emphasizing the need for travel caution. Météo-France reported weekend conditions yielding winds up to 100 km/h, which exacerbated damage across the area.
Authorities showed foresight as they initiated emergency shelters to support those most impacted. Gymnasiums were prepped to operate as temporary lodgings, alongside partnerships offering shelter and supplies to the dislocated. The cross-community collaboration aimed to cushion the impact of this disaster.
Despite the adverse circumstances, the spirit of community solidarity shined bright as residents rally around one another, eager to help where they could. The city’s administration continued to keep residents informed, operating out of crisis cells still active, assuring the populace of their safety and health.
The residents of Rennes, taking with them the lessons from storm Herminia, now face the arduous task of recovery. Local authorities continue to monitor the conditions and provide timely updates, emphasizing the importance of vigilance as the weather conditions remain precarious.